Welcome to the Parish of St John Paul II, Toorak & Armadale

We are a Catholic made up of the communities of Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale and St Peter’s Catholic Church, Toorak. Drawing on the blessings we’ve been given to serve others and share the light of Christ in a world longing for meaning. We desire to grow in faith through sacraments, sacred liturgy, formation, and cultural encounter.

Our Patron Saints

Pope St John Paul II, our parish patron

St John Paul II

Colorful stained glass window depicting Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette

Our Lady of Lourdes

Stained glass depiction of Jesus Christ handing the keys to St Peter the Apostle.

St Peter the Apostle

Fr Dean Mathieson, giving a homily at his parish, St Peter's Catholic Church, Toorak

Our Parish Priest

Fr Dean Mathieson serves as the parish priest of St John Paul II Parish, bringing to his ministry a deep love for theology, sacred liturgy, and the life of the Church. His pastoral focus is on helping people encounter their faith through the sacraments, offering opportunities for formation, and fostering a parish life.

Our Parish Team

  • Ben Van Styn
    Director of Mission and Property Coordinator

    Delisa Gonsalves
    Pastoral Associate

    Frank Glynn
    Business Manager

    Gabrielle Yuen
    Communications & Publications Administrator

    Madeline Dimasi
    Parish Secretary

  • Conrad Helfrich
    Director of Music & Organist

    Danuta Southern
    St Peter’s Organist

    Phillip Byrnes
    Our Lady of Lourdes Organist

    Kristian Gregory
    Cantor at both Churches

How to Get Involved

We’d love to welcome you into the life of the parish. You are welcome to come along to one of our parish events, regular activities or groups. Or share your gifts by volunteering with us, joining a ministry, or experience the beauty of our sacred music program.

Volunteering
and Ministry

Sacred Music
Program

Parishioners engaged in conversation, with plates of food and glasses of water in front of them, in a well-lit room with large windows.
Fr Dean Mathieson introducing the live-stream speaker for the Truth Goodness Beauty Project's Faith and Culture Sessions, held at the parish centre.

Parish Groups and Regular Activities

Events hosted
at the Parish

Our Sacred Music program at St John Paul II Catholic Parish
Toorak Op Shop
Explore our Parish Life
Vintage black-and-white photo of Armadale House

Our History, A Living Legacy

Our parish has a rich and historically significant story. From its earliest beginnings, the Catholic presence in Armadale and Toorak has grown through faith, dedication, and the generosity of many. We honour that history—not simply as a record of the past, but as the foundation of who we are today. The churches and chapels built over generations continue to serve as places where we gather, worship God, and welcome others into community. We remain grateful for the faith that came before us, and for the blessing of such beautiful spaces in which to live it out.

Explore our Parish history
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